SEATTLE – Washington head coach Mike Neighbors has announced an addition to the incoming class of freshmen. Khalia Lark of Santa Ana, Calif., and Mater Dei High School will join the Huskies in the fall of 2014.

“Khalia Lark’s addition to our 2014-2015 solidifies our incoming class and continues our momentum of bringing committed student-athletes to the University of Washington,” said Neighbors. “She will impact our program, our campus, and our community. Khalia comes from tradition rich basketball programs and has family support that it takes to make the transition from high school to the Pac 12.”

Lark comes to Washington from basketball powerhouse Mater Dei in Santa Ana, Calif. She helped the Monarchs to a national title in 2012. During that same season, Lark scored 14 points in the 1AA Southern Section Championship. She would go on to help Mater Dei to two CIF Championships and two California state championships.

Lark is a 6-0 guard that will bring a versatile style to the Huskies.

“She will present opponents with match-up problems with her unique combination of size and athleticism,” said Neighbors. “Her ability to play outside the arc and around the basket are perfect to our style of play. Defensively she can guard multiple positions and has an eagerness to guard that will impact our defense.”

In addition to playing with Mater Dei, Lark played for Stan Delus and West Coast Premier where she was a teammate of fellow incoming freshman Hannah Jonshon.

“Khalia comes from a high school and summer program that has put her in challenging positions every time she steps on the court,” said Neighbors. “Combine that with her proven work ethic and desire to continue improving and you have exactly what we look for on our team.”

Lark originally signed with Fresno State, but was granted her release after the Bulldogs made a coaching change.

“The timing of Khalia’s decision not to attend Fresno State after there was a coaching change and our learning that Macy Keen would not be making it to campus could not have been more perfect, said Neighbors. “In our very first conversation it was obvious that we agreed all things happen for a reason.”